growing uprise

We’ve got some exciting news! Things have only been going in one direction for us recently, given our name you can probably guess which way that is. As we move ever upwards, we’ve decided to bring someone along for the ride.

We’re very proud, and more than a little excited, to announce that we recently finalised the deal to acquire web development and technology company, VSIthinking.

Smart (VSI)thinking

Established in 1996, VSIthinking specialises in providing web development and software solutions for a wide range of companies. Based in Cardiff Bay, they’ve developed a strong reputation in the travel, leisure and sport sectors, with clients like Thomas Cook, Neilson Holidays, The Celtic Manor Resort, Erna Low and Fulham Football Club.

VSIthinking has also developed its own software products, including a Content Management System, e-commerce solution, online event booking software, CRM system and project management software. Using these platforms they can develop bespoke software to meet an individual client’s requirements and also integrate a solution with existing client software systems. The Celtic Manor Resort recently appointed them to integrate their various booking systems into a bespoke, single-view CRM system.

Onwards and Uprise

The deal was part-funded by a loan from Finance Wales who have also taken an equity stake in the new business.

Our Managing Director, Gareth Rees Jones, said, “The skills and experience within Uprise and VSIthinking complement each other perfectly, allowing us to greatly accelerate our growth as a company. Combining the creative, design and digital marketing skills within Uprise with the technology, back-end development and integration skills that VSI provide, will allow us to offer a full end-to-end creative, web development and digital marketing solution.

“Having worked previously with VSI as a client, I have first-hand experience of the quality of the projects they deliver and the first-class service they provide. It is testament to Mark and his team that the business has been so successful, largely through referrals and recommendations. We now have a fantastic opportunity to use our sales and marketing skills to help bring the solutions that UpriseVSI can offer to the attention of more companies both within Wales and beyond.”

Managing Director of VSIthinking, Mark Thomas, added, “It was obvious from the start that there was great synergy between the two companies and together we are greater than the sum of our parts, which is an exciting prospect. Our 18 years of technology innovation and our highly experienced team will provide both present and future clients of UpriseVSI with a robust, secure and scalable online platform.”

Finance Wales & Funding

The deal was part-funded by a loan from Finance Wales who have also taken an equity stake in the new business. Our MD, Gareth, and our Finance Director, Geoff, provided additional funding and remain the major shareholders in the new combined UpriseVSI. Professional advisors on the deal included Geldards and KTS Owens Thomas acting for Uprise Marketing, Blake Morgan, Hugh James and Advantage Accountancy & Advisory acting for VSIthinking. With Broomfield Alexander and Hill Dickinson acting on behalf of Finance Wales.

Finance Wales’ Senior Investment Executives, Cenydd Rowlands and Stephen Galvin, structured the investment. Mr Rowlands said, “The acquisition of VSIthinking by Uprise Marketing has created a strong agency, offering customers a comprehensive range of digital marketing services. South Wales has one of the UK’s fastest growing digital sectors and UpriseVSI will only strengthen its growing reputation.

“Finance Wales is pleased to back Uprise’s ambitious, high-calibre team. They have a wealth of expertise and our flexible equity and mezzanine funding package has enabled them to fund this exciting acquisition. We wish them well with their continued expansion and future growth.”

We’d like to officially welcome VSIthinking to the uprising and look forward to exciting times ahead.

In the meantime, watch this space because we’ll be launching the new UpriseVSI brand soon!

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